It is very difficult to say a few words in farewell to the heroes of the International
Brigades, because of what they are and what they represent. A feeling of sorrow, an
infinite grief catches our throat - sorrow for those who are going away, for the soldiers
of the highest ideal of human redemption, exiles from their countries, persecuted by the
tyrants of all peoples - grief for those who will stay here forever mingled with the
Spanish soil, in the very depth of our heart, hallowed by our feeling of eternal
gratitude.

From all peoples, from all races, you came to us like brothers, like sons of immortal
Spain; and in the hardest days of the war, when the capital of the Spanish Republic was
threatened, it was you, gallant comrades of the International Brigades, who helped save
the city with your fighting enthusiasm, your heroism and your spirit of sacrifice. - And
Jarama and Guadalajara, Brunete and Belchite, Levante and the Ebro, in immortal verses
sing of the courage, the sacrifice, the daring, th discipline of the men of the
International Brigades.

For the first time in the history of the peoples' struggles, there was the spectacle,
breath­taking in its grandeur, of the formation of International Brigades to help save a
threatened country's freedom and independence - the freedom and independence of our
Spanish land.

Communists, Socialists, Anarchists, Republicans - men of different colors, differing
ideology, antagonistic religions --- yet all profoundly loving liberty and justice, they
came and offered themselves to us unconditionally.

They gave us everything --- their youth or their maturity; their science or their
experience; their blood and their lives; their hopes and aspirations --- and they asked us
for nothing. But yes, it must be said, they did want a post in battle, they aspired to the
honor of dying for us.

Banners of Spain! Salute these many heroes! Be lowered to honor so many martyrs!

Mothers! Women! When the years pass by and the wounds of war are stanched; when the
memory of the sad and bloody days dissipates in a present of liberty, of peace and of
well­being; when the rancors have died out and pride in a free country is felt equally by
all Spaniards, speak to your children. Tell them of these men of the International
Brigades.

Recount for them how, coming over seas and mountains, crossing frontiers bristling with
bayonets, sought by raving dogs thirsting to tear their flesh, these men reached our
country as crusaders for freedom, to fight and die for Spain's liberty and independence
threatened by German and Italian fascism. They gave up everything --- their loves, their
countries, home and fortune, fathers, mothers, wives, brothers, sisters and children ---
and they came and said to us: ``We are here. Your cause, Spain's cause, is ours. It is the
cause of all advanced and progressive mankind.''

Today many are departing. Thousands remain, shrouded in Spanish earth, profoundly
remembered by all Spaniards. Comrades of the International Brigades: Political reasons,
reasons of state, the welfare of that very cause for which you offered your blood with
boundless generosity, are sending you back, some to your own countries and others to
forced exile. You can go proudly. You are history. You are legend. You are the heroic
example of democracy's solidarity and universality in the face of the vile and
accommodating spirit of those who interpret democratic principles with their eyes on
hoards of wealth or corporate shares which they want to safeguard from all risk.

We shall not forget you; and, when the olive tree of peace is in flower, entwined with
the victory laurels of the Republic of Spain --- return!

Return to our side for here you will find a homeland --- those who have no country or
friends, who must live deprived of friendship --- all, all will have the affection and
gratitude of the Spanish people who today and tomorrow will shout with enthusiasm ---